Noncatalytic Region of Tyrosine Kinase Associated Protein 5 Like (NCKAP5L) Predicts Poor Prognosis in Colon Adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Background: Noncatalytic region of tyrosine kinase associated protein 5 like (NCKAP5L) (Cep169) is a conservative centrosome protein in vertebrates. Its main function is to regulate the dynamics and stability of microtubules (MT). However, its role in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the molecular mechanism and clinical influence of NCKAP5L in COAD. Methods: Relevant information on COAD patients was downloaded in the public database TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas). The expression level of NCKAP5L in COAD was analyzed, and its impact on the prognosis of COAD patients was explored to understand the relevant mechanism. Results: The expression of NCKAP5L in colon adenocarcinoma was significantly higher than that in normal tissues. Cox proportional hazard model showed that higher levels of NCKAP5L expression predicted worse survival in COAD patients (HR >1, p < 0.05). Chemotherapy drug resistance analysis revealed the fact that higher NCKAP5L expression closely linked to chemotherapy drug resistance. The analysis of immune infiltrating cells revealed that NCKAP5L significantly correlated with CD4+ T cells and macrophages in immune cells. In addition, NCKAP5L was significantly involved in multiple tumor pathways (p < 0.05, p > 0.4). Conclusions: NCKAP5L makes important influences on the tumorigenesis and evolvement of COAD. It may be an effective prognostic indicator and a potential therapeutic target for COAD.